It's no secret by now that breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. It provides us with the energy we need to sustain us throughout the day and helps boost our metabolism. But not all breakfasts are created equal. What you eat in the morning can have a significant impact on the rest of your day. An overly sweet, processed breakfast may give you that energy boost you need in the morning, but don't count on it carrying you through the entire day. You will crash within a few hours. Instead, you want a breakfast that combines complex carbohydrates, good fats, protein and calcium. And there's nothing wrong with a little sweetness, as long as it's natural.

So how do you create a breakfast that not only has all that good stuff you need to maintain a healthy diet, but also energizes you throughout the day? We've got you covered. Today we're sharing one of our breakfast favorites: The Breakfast Oat Jar. And it just happens to be really easy and quick to make, too.

Directions:

Cover on medium to high heat until it looks like the oats are cooking (about 5 minutes).

Chop the apple into small cubes, and toss in with a 1/2 tbsp of coconut manna and 1 tbsp of peanut butter.

Stir before transferring your concoction to a jar or other container.

Sprinkle your pumpkin and hemp seeds on top, and add prunes if you wish.

Nutritional benefits

Rolled oats are complex carbohydrates that keep your energy level on an even keel by stabilizing your blood sugar levels. Cinnamon spice has the same effect.

Rich in protein and calcium, almond milk is a wonderfully healthy alternative to regular dairy milk. Coconut manna, meanwhile, is a good source of good, healthy fat — as is peanut butter. Go for the unsweetened, organic peanut butter option, and add a spoonful to your jar for an extra hit of protein. You can also add some sweetness to your breakfast jar by drizzling agave nectar on top. Otherwise, leave it to the almond milk to give you that kick of sweetness. As for the turmeric— whether in juice or powder form, I add it to just about everything. The benefits of this anti-inflammatory spice are endless. Give it a try.

Make it RAW

Your breakfast oat jar can easily be made raw. All you have to do is toss all your ingredients into a jar, and pour your "milk" over — just enough to cover it. Place it in the fridge overnight, and grab it on-the-go in the morning. Just give it a good stir. A raw breakfast oat jar would also make this meal a little more rich in enzymes.

Cooked or raw, it's up to you. Just make sure you're eating a nutrient-rich breakfast not only to help you tackle each day with the energy you need, but also to help you live a long, healthy life. Enjoy!